Textile cordage product imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $3.0 million of textile cordage product in 2024 (250 tonnes). Value rose 117% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 14% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $3.0M | 250 t |
| 2023 | $1.4M | 463 t |
| 2022 | $2.7M | 206 t |
| 2021 | $3.0M | 262 t |
| 2020 | $2.0M | 309 t |
| 2019 | $1.4M | 298 t |
| 2018 | $2.5M | 273 t |
| 2017 | $1.2M | 314 t |
Where South Africa imports textile cordage product from
China alone supplied 74% of it. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+137% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $2.2M | 74% |
| Germany | $266K | 9% |
| India | $236K | 7.9% |
| France | $61K | 2.1% |
| Spain | $32K | 1.1% |
| Sri Lanka | $23K | 0.8% |
| Greece | $23K | 0.8% |
| United States | $19K | 0.6% |
| Portugal | $17K | 0.6% |
| United Kingdom | $12K | 0.4% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $11.89 per kg, 103% above the world average of $5.87. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Textile cordage product exports from South Africa
Exports of textile cordage product by South Africa reached $1.1 million in 2024 (174 tonnes). Most of it went to Australia (23%), Mozambique (15%), Namibia (12%). Among the main buyer markets, Mozambique grew fastest (+69% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | $245K | 23% |
| Mozambique | $161K | 15% |
| Namibia | $128K | 12% |
| Lesotho | $106K | 10% |
| Eswatini | $99K | 9.3% |
| New Zealand | $45K | 4.2% |
| Botswana | $30K | 2.8% |
| United Kingdom | $26K | 2.4% |
| Zambia | $23K | 2.2% |
| Kazakhstan | $21K | 1.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
Updated weekly on EximDataX (some markets daily), while public statistics stop at 2024.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 5609: Articles of yarn, strip or the like of heading no. 5404 or 5405; twine, cordage, rope or cables n.e.c. or included.
Common questions
What is the value of textile cordage product imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported textile cordage product worth $3.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 250 tonnes. That ranks it 47th of 214 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 117% on 2023.
Which countries supply textile cordage product to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 74% of the value ($2.2 million), followed by Germany (9%) and India (8%). The top three together account for 91%, out of 51 supplier countries in total. The United Kingdom grew fastest among the top ten, up 203% on the year.
What is the average import price of textile cordage product per kg?
The average declared import value was about $11.89 per kg in 2024, 103% above the world average of $5.87 per kg. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so it blends every grade and size; use it as a benchmark, not a quote. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
How have imports of textile cordage product to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $1.2 million in 2017 to $3.0 million in 2024, an increase of 143%. The peak was 2021 at $3.0 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export textile cordage product?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Australia, Mozambique and Namibia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $1.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for textile cordage product?
The HS code for textile cordage product is heading 5609. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 5609.00. It sits in HS chapter 56 (wadding, felt and nonwovens, special yarns; twine, cordage, ropes and cables and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 5609 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, updated weekly, so you can see the companies that ship to and from it. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Same product, other countries
More trade data for South Africa
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.